Extending Educational Opportunties

DELO is the outreach arm of the University, offering both credit and noncredit classes
to students of all ages. DELO also works with businesses and organizations to provide
customized training, plan special events, and develop degree programs that meet specific
needs. The following units are part of this division:

• Distance Learning

• Academic Outreach

• Continuing & Professional Development

• Conference Services

• Study Away

Distance Learning

Distance Learning is an exciting and rapidly growing method of connecting students
to higher education. The benefits to students are numerous, including flexible locations
and flexible schedules. Distance Learning encompasses online student support, Independent Learning classes, faculty support services, and the campus testing centers.

The Cohort Programs unit creates college credit programs by partnering with business, industry, and community
groups to develop customized courses, certificates, and degree programs that meet
their needs. These programs are designed for a specific number of students (a Cohort)
that move through the program coursework together.

The Dual Credit Program is a partnership with area high schools to offer qualified students the opportunity
to earn college credit as part of their high school curriculum. Dual Credit courses
are offered at area high schools during regular school hours by WKU faculty or by
high school teachers who meet all accreditation standards according to the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. Select online courses are now available to high
school students as well.

Summer Sessions at WKU offers many convenient courses that can be completed online, at the Bowling
Green campus, and at the WKU Regional campuses. WKU Summer Sessions is available to
all students, whether they are just starting college, are close to graduation, or
just want to pick up some summer college courses.

Winter Term was first offered at WKU in January 2006 as an optional three–week session in which
students can take up to four credit hours. WKU Winter Term offers general education
classes as well as electives for both undergraduate and graduate students. Classes
are available face-to-face at the Bowling Green campuses and at the WKU Regional Campuses
located in Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Fort Knox, Owensboro, and Glasgow. There are also
study abroad opportunities during Winter Term, and many classes are available online.

Continuing & Professional Development

The new unit of Continuing & Professional Development resulted from merging the former
Center for Training & Development and the Office of Continuing Education. Based on
feedback from community leaders and internal WKU leadership, these two former offices
have been recently renamed Career and Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning,
respectively. Career & Workforce Development administers professional development,
workforce training, and career development programs. Lifelong Learning will oversee
non-credit personal enrichment programs.

Study Away

The Study Away program, created in 2010, provides off-campus courses that enable students to apply
the lessons learned in the classroom in a practical, hands-on setting. Students in
the Study Away program earn WKU credit in courses taught by WKU faculty. Examples
of Study Away courses are Fly Fishing in Montana, Storm Chasing through the Plains,
and Life and Literature of Chicago. Study Away provides support for Faculty-led Study
Abroad in partnership with the Office of Study Abroad & Global Learning. Through the
National Student Exchange, students can challenge themselves in a new setting to add
to the college experience by studying for a year or a semester at another university
within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.